This plant is sometimes
connected to the
Moon because
it enhances dreams, especially of the
prophetic sort, and helps with lucid dreaming.
This magick herb can be stuffed into
dream pillows or drunk as a tea for dream
enhancement and is often included in modern
flying ointments. Along similar lines, it is
often utilized to consecrate and dress
instruments for divination, like crystal balls
and scrying mirrors, and is said to aid in
astral travel and generally with out-of-body
experiences. Sacred to the Druids and to
Diana/Artemis, it contains the planetary metal
for Venus
(copper). Combine mugwort 1:2 with
white
sandalwood to make a mugwort incense.
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In Herbalism

In Traditional Chinese
Medicine, this herb is considered warming to
the womb, increasing circulation so that
fertility is improved (don't ingest if you are
pregnant). In the past, travelers padded
the insides of their shoes with it to prevent
foot soreness, perhaps on account of a story
of a saint who did the same and perhaps
because of the leaves' cottony undersides,
which also provide the substance moxa, used in
Eastern medicine. It is a common ingredient in
herbal smoking blends, along with
coltsfoot
and
passionflower.
Like
wormwood,
mugwort contains thujone, which is considered
a neurotoxin, although the information on its
toxicity is derived solely from rat
studies.
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Non-Magickal Uses

The scent of the leaves is
handy for keeping moths out of stored
clothing. Mugwort was also used to flavor beer
before the more sedating hops replaced it.
A dream-enhancing beer--now that's some
brew! This herb is also known asFelon Herb, St.
John's Plant, and Cingulum Sancti
Johannis.Top